How to pronounce preparation
Say it like prep-uh-RAY-shun. Preparation has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (RAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce preparation. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- prep
- uh
- RAY
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Preparation pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- prepGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- RAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of preparation
American and British speakers say preparation in essentially the same way: /ˌprɛpəˈreɪʃən/ in the US and /ˌprɛpəˈreɪʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: prep-uh-RAY-shun.
What does preparation mean?
- the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose“preparations for the ceremony had begun”
- a substance prepared according to a formula“the physician prescribed a commercial preparation of the medicine”
- the cognitive process of thinking about what you will do in the event of something happening“his planning for retirement was hindered by several uncertainties”
Where does preparation come from?
From Middle English preparacion, from Middle French preparacion, from Latin praeparatio, praeparationem.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with preparation
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of preparation.
Questions about saying preparation
How do you pronounce preparation?
Say prep-uh-RAY-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˌprɛpəˈreɪʃən/. In British English it is /ˌprɛpəˈreɪʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in preparation?
Preparation has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (RAY). Broken into parts: prep · uh · RAY · shun.
Do Americans and Brits say preparation the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌprɛpəˈreɪʃən/ and the British form is /ˌprɛpəˈreɪʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.